UK. TRG Concessions has unveiled its first airport venue outside mainland UK at Belfast City Airport. Bringing a sense of place, the 180-cover bar/restaurant is named Samson’s Kitchen & Bar after the larger of the two famous shipbuilding cranes in Belfast Port.
The airside venue, the first in the airport to feature table service, features an entrance and bar built with yellow design touches reminiscent of the cranes themselves. The bar area includes a large Goliath sign, a nod to the second famous crane.
TRG Concessions noted the restaurant’s menu is full of local flavours, including the ‘Goliath Ulster Brunch’ loaded with Clonakity black pudding, soda farl bread and Elliott’s traditional pork sausages.
Another menu staple is the ‘Two Cranes Club’, which features marinated chicken, back bacon and fried egg with tomato, lettuce and mustard mayo on toasted sourdough, served with skin-on fries.
A locally themed highlight from the Goliath bar’s menu is the non-alcoholic cocktail ‘Queen’s Island Sunrise’, a mix of pineapple juice, orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice and strawberry purée.
There is also a selection of Irish beers and ciders available, including Guinness, Belfast Ale, Magners and Harp Irish Lager.
Samson’s Kitchen & Bar’s design is the work of turnerbates Design & Architecture. The company commented: “We took inspiration from the famous staples of Belfast’s skyline – the Samson and Goliath cranes. The new interior features industrial and nautical references to the nearby port, pops of the iconic yellow, repurposed whiskey barrels and cheeky local sayings painted on the walls.
“Our design creates a strong sense of place for visitors heading off on their journeys, along with a family-friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.”
Speaking to The Moodie Davitt Report about the opening, TRG Concessions Regional Operations Manager Nadra Squires said: “We are very proud to represent a snippet of Northern Irish cuisine within the airport setting. We have worked hard to include local flavours, but also name our dishes with a hint of provenance to really drive home to the guests exactly where they are.
“As full-service specialists, we are thrilled to be operating the only full-serve option within the Belfast City Airport terminal, offering order at table or from an order point.
“Samson’s is created in collaboration with Belfast City Airport and we welcome opportunities for growth within this market,” she added. “We are looking forward to a long and hugely successful partnership with our new airport partner.” 
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